What Is Cast Iron Guttering?

Cast iron is an exceptionally strong and durable material, and when forged into guttering, it creates a rainwater system that can last over a century and looks good throughout. Many original cast iron gutter installations from the Victorian era are still in existence in the UK, particularly around London and the north of England. When correctly maintained, it will outlast all rival products that are made from other materials.

As cast iron is synonymous with tradition in the UK, guttering made from it lends itself exceptionally well to period-style properties, from one-off houses to Victorian-style terraces. It is also the first choice of guttering material for listed buildings, so much so that many planning officers will not accept any substitute materials. As iron is a natural material, it is also totally recyclable - combine this fact with the tremendously long lifespan of this material, and cast iron can rightly be viewed as a very green material.

Features of Hargreaves Cast Iron Gutter

Key features are as follows:

• The system is manufactured in the UK to BS460:1964
• Black Painted or Grey Transit Primer Finish available
• Minimum 40-year life expectancy when correctly installed
• Wide choice of profiles - Half Round, Beaded Half Round, Box Section, Deepflow and three different decorative Ogee designs
• Three standard sizes of cast iron downpipes are available to choose from: 65mm (2 1/2"), 75mm (3") and 100mm (4")
• Superb range of Ornamental Hopper Heads Available.

What's Included in a Cast Iron Guttering System?

If you're familiar with PVC guttering systems, you will see cast iron versions of many of the same fittings. However, there are some fittings that are unique to the cast iron system, as well as some recognisable gutter fittings that have a lot more options. Here is a list of the most noteworthy fittings:

• Fascia brackets - screwed into the fascia boards to support the guttering.
• Unions - connects two lengths of gutter together that are plain ended.
• Angles - for turning runs of guttering around corners, we offer a large variety of corners for each profile including 90 and 135 degree options in left or right hand styles.
• Stopends - caps offer the end of a run of gutter, both internal and external stopends are available in cast iron systems.
• Running outlet - connects a run of guttering to a downpipe.
• Stopend outlet - serves the same purpose as a running outlet, but features a stopend on one side, so it can be installed at the end of a run of gutter.
• Hoppers - the most decorative element of the system, cast iron hoppers collect water from the guttering and divert it into a downpipe. They can be used as an addition or replacement to running outlets, with the key difference being that hoppers can accept water from multiple gutter runs, whereas a running outlet can only accept one.

Why Choose Hargreaves Foundry?

• All gutters and downpipes are centrifugally cast, guaranteeing totally straight lengths, an even surface finish, and consistent metal thickness throughout the gutter/pipe length.
• Internal flow of the gutter/pipe is both efficient and unobstructed.
• Hargreaves Foundry utilises a traditional sand moulding method, in which they have over 140 years’ experience – this gives all fittings a consistent texture free of obvious joint lines.

Additional finishes/services are also available, including:

• Premier extra paint finish – a high gloss, two pack PU black paint finish that eliminates the need for painting the lengths on site. These can also be painted to any RAL or BS colour to suit your requirements.
• Premier extra coastal finish – a heavy duty version of the premier extra finish, for use in areas within approx. 5 miles of a coastline. Ensures durability of the finish & quality of the gutters.
• Bespoke manufacture – if you’re having trouble finding a system that fits your requirements, Hargreaves Foundry also offers bespoke manufacture of products. With their own foundry and fabrication facilities onsite, they can replication any existing rainwater pipe or create a new system to fit your requirements (from drawings/samples).

To find out more about these additional services and finishes, please contact our team.

Compatability of Cast Iron Guttering

When connecting to other existing cast iron systems, the method of jointing on the old system needs to be checked, as some original castings had external joints and some were internal. Cast Iron can also be joined to modern systems, check out our guide on how to join cast iron gutters to PVC guttering for more information.

Installation of Cast Iron Gutters

All of our cast iron gutters and downpipes are supplied in 1830mm lengths, with pre-drilled holes that allow nut, bolt and silicone fixing. 

Full Installation instructions that can be easily followed on site are available in our cast iron gutter installation guide.

Maintenance of Cast Iron Guttering

Our cast iron gutter systems do require some ongoing maintenance. This maintenance is very straightforward and uncomplicated and is only needed once a year. 

• Check gutters are not blocked and remove any debris with a brush
• Check fittings and brackets are secure
• Check the paint finish is showing no signs of rust. If there is, sand down area to bare metal, clean, dry and apply touch up paint
• Check there are no leaks, where the gutters joint other lengths or fittings with a visual inspection

Painting Primed Cast Iron

Alongside the most common and popular black, we also offer all of our cast iron gutter profiles in a primer coating option. There are a few other precautions that must be taken when purchasing and installing primed guttering. Please see our full guide for more information.

If you have any questions regarding our cast iron range or have architectural drawings you'd like us to review and give advice on, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!